AFG vs SA Today | Afghanistan vs South Africa Prediction, Match Preview, Playing XI, Dream11 Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Winning Prediction

Afghanistan vs South Africa, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Match Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Fantasy Picks & Predictions

High-Stakes Clash in Group B: Afghanistan vs South Africa

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to witness an exciting Group B clash as Afghanistan takes on South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi. This match could be the most significant encounter in the group stage, given both teams’ recent form and aspirations in the tournament.

Afghanistan, coming off an impressive run in ODI cricket, has emerged as a dangerous side capable of defeating top-ranked teams. Meanwhile, South Africa, despite a rough patch in recent ODIs, will be at full strength for this tournament. With both teams hungry for success, the contest promises an exhilarating battle between bat and ball.

Recent Form & Team Confidence

Afghanistan’s Rise in ODI Cricket

Afghanistan enters this match with remarkable confidence, having won eight of their last 10 completed ODIs, including a 2-1 series victory over South Africa in Sharjah. Their batting unit, spearheaded by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, has shown consistency, while their bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan, remains one of the most lethal in white-ball cricket.

South Africa’s Strength Despite Recent Losses

The Proteas have struggled in ODIs recently, suffering six consecutive defeats. However, their squad was depleted during those games, with key players absent due to franchise commitments. Now, with the return of seasoned campaigners like David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, and Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa will be a formidable force.

Pitch Report & Weather Conditions

Karachi’s pitch has traditionally been a batting paradise, with high-scoring matches becoming a norm. In the tournament opener, New Zealand posted 320 runs, and Pakistan chased down a record 353 against South Africa in a tri-series. The track offers minimal assistance to bowlers, especially pacers, making it a haven for stroke-makers. Spinners, however, may play a crucial role in controlling the game during the middle overs.

Weather: Expect a hot and dry day, with temperatures hovering around 30°C. Dew may come into play under lights, possibly favoring the chasing side.

Probable Playing XI

Afghanistan:

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)

• Ibrahim Zadran

• Sediqullah Atal

• Rahmat Shah

• Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt)

• Azmatullah Omarzai

• Gulbadin Naib

• Mohammad Nabi

• Rashid Khan

• Noor Ahmad/Nangyal Kharoti

• Fazalhaq Farooqi

South Africa:

• Temba Bavuma (capt)

• Ryan Rickelton

• Rassie van der Dussen

• Aiden Markram

• David Miller

• Heinrich Klaasen (wk)

• Marco Jansen

• Wiaan Mulder

• Keshav Maharaj

• Kagiso Rabada

• Tabraiz Shamsi

Players to Watch Out For

• Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): A game-changer with the ball, Rashid has tormented South African batters in the past and will look to exploit their vulnerabilities against spin.

• Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa): With a phenomenal strike rate in ODIs, Klaasen’s aggressive approach in the middle overs can be the key to South Africa’s success.

• Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan): Returning from injury, Zadran will be eager to make an impact and provide a strong start at the top.

• Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): Leading the Proteas’ pace attack, Rabada’s ability to strike with the new ball and at the death will be crucial.

Dream11 Fantasy Tips & Probable Best Performers

Fantasy XI Selection:

Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Heinrich Klaasen
Batters: Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Ibrahim Zadran
All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Aiden Markram, Azmatullah Omarzai
Bowlers: Rashid Khan (C), Kagiso Rabada (VC), Noor Ahmad

Players With the Highest Probability of Scoring Big:

• Batsmen: Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Ibrahim Zadran

• Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Noor Ahmad

• All-rounders: Aiden Markram, Mohammad Nabi

Winning Prediction

While Afghanistan has the upper hand in recent ODIs against South Africa, the Proteas are at full strength this time. Their powerful batting lineup, backed by a solid bowling attack, gives them a slight edge. However, Afghanistan's spinners could turn the game in their favor, especially if the pitch offers any assistance. Expect a tightly contested game, but South Africa may just edge past Afghanistan in a high-scoring thriller.

Prediction: South Africa to win, but Afghanistan will put up a tough fight.

Interesting Facts

• South Africa has lost three of the four ODIs they have played at the National Stadium in Karachi.

• Afghanistan has played only two ODIs in Pakistan, both in Lahore during the 2023 Asia Cup, where they lost to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

• Rashid Khan has taken nine wickets in four ODIs against South Africa, averaging just 14.55.

• Heinrich Klaasen has the highest ODI strike rate for a South African batter with over 1,000 runs.

Final Thoughts

This match will be a true test of skill and temperament. Afghanistan is looking to build on its growing reputation as a formidable white-ball team, while South Africa is aiming to put an end to their ODI slump and start their Champions Trophy campaign with a win. With a high-scoring contest on the cards, cricket fans are in for a thrilling game in Karachi!